Step 1: Make the Wonton Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken), chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, egg white, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky, ensuring it holds together when filling the wontons.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

  1. Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface.
  2. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the wrapper.
  3. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip.
  4. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal.
  5. Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together, overlapping slightly, and press to seal.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling. Keep the assembled wontons covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

  1. In a large pot, heat 6 cups of chicken broth over medium-high heat.
  2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the broth. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  4. Add the baby bok choy and mushrooms, if using, and let them cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Cook the Wontons

  1. Gently drop the wontons into the simmering broth one at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pot—cook in batches if necessary.
  2. Let the wontons cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
  3. Remove the cooked wontons with a slotted spoon and set them aside in serving bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

  1. Divide the cooked wontons among individual bowls.
  2. Ladle the hot broth over the wontons, ensuring each bowl gets a mix of vegetables (if added).
  3. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.

Tips for Perfect Wonton Soup

  1. Customize the Filling: Add finely chopped shrimp or water chestnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
  2. Freeze for Later: Assemble the wontons and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
  3. Adjust the Spice Level: Add a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
  4. Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat filling with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and spinach. Use vegetable broth for the base.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily available at grocery stores.
  • Customizable: You can tailor the wonton filling and broth to suit your taste preferences.
  • Comforting and Light: This soup is both satisfying and low in calories, making it a perfect starter or main course.

Wonton soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of delicate flavors and comforting warmth. With this easy recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Chinese cuisine to your table. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this wonton soup is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy!